The Mission of Eliezar, a Type of the Mission of the Holy Spirit
Read verses 1-4 and verse 10.
In studying the historical records of the OT, we must remember that underneath each one there is some great spiritual truth.
1 Corinthians 10:11—“Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the age is come.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17—“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Behind every historical record in scripture there is more than mere moral instruction.
Paul mentions it is profitable for doctrine, then reproof, correction, instruction. “The things written aforetime were written for our learning.”
Genesis 24 contains in type the great doctrine of the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit.
In this chapter we see the Trinity at work: Abraham as the Father, Isaac as the Son, and Eliezer as the Holy Spirit.
In this connection we see the mission of Eliezer corresponding to the work of the Holy Spirit.
1. Eliezer was sent by the father in behalf of his son Isaac. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth.”
2. Eliezer was given complete authority to administer the affairs of the son and to seek out the bride for Isaac. Verses 2 and 10. This is the Holy Spirit’s role in the world today. He is in charge of the affairs of the Son.
3. Verses 2 and 3 state distinctly that the bride must not come from among the Canaanites, but from the family of Abraham. This necessitated that the bride come from a far country. Under no circumstances was Isaac to be taken to the border land. See verses 6-8: “Bring not my son hither.” This is a beautiful type. When the Church as the Bride goes to meet her heavenly Isaac, he will not come to her home on earth to get her. Instead the Holy Spirit will bring her to meet Him in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the hand in the air.”
4. When Eliezer left the father’s house he had two things in mind: (1) To find a bride for Isaac; (2) To speak of his glories. This was in accordance with the father’s will, see verse 9. So it is with the Holy Spirit today. “He shall not speak of Himself: but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak”—John 16:13. It is the work of the Spirit to speak the word of the Father concerning the Son. This is why there is so much about the Lord Jesus Christ in the NT, and comparatively little about the Holy Spirit.
5. Next please notice where Eliezer went. See verse 10. This was in the land of Ur of the Chaldees from which Abraham himself had come. There is a perfect description of where the Holy Spirit came to seek the bride for Christ. A world of sinners who are under the judgment of fire and who live in the city of destruction.
Meeting the Bride: vs. 15-33. The servant explains his mission and tells of the glories and riches of his master. Vs. 34-56.
The Bride’s Decision: v. 58. On the way to meet Isaac the servant tells more of his master and his master’s house.
The Meeting: v. 63. Apply all this to the Holy Spirit’s work in our life.